LOSN Sustainability Insider

November 2021

Striving for a More Sustainable City

There is a lot to celebrate with respect to sustainability in the City of Lake Oswego. The accomplishments stretch across all aspects of city operations: transportation, energy efficiency, natural resource protection, and waste reduction.

We have a new Sustainability Program Manager, Amanda Watson (see Spotlight on Amanda below) and a dedicated volunteer advisory board to help the city continue down the path of sustainability stewardship. City Manager Martha Bennett says, “We try to look at sustainability not just with the environmental lens, but include the economic viability and social equity aspects as well. Everything is a balance of these three aspects. Public Safety for example is primarily focused on the social aspect, however includes environmental and economic aspects in its operations.”

There are some exciting sustainability opportunities coming up as well. The City is seriously considering rebuilding the Tryon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Treatment plants are typically one of the biggest energy users in a community. This presents a wonderful opportunity to create the most sustainable plant possible. For more information about the status click here. The City has also entered an agreement with the Lake Oswego School District to build a Recreation/Aquatic Center. This presents another opportunity to build a future-focused sustainable facility.

City Sustainability Accomplishments

Over the last decade or so, the City has worked on some significant initiatives that have made our community better. We want to highlight a few of these accomplishments here. For an expanded list of actions for each of the areas: transportation, energy efficiency, natural resource protection, and waste reduction click here.

Major Accomplishments

• In May 2020, City Council adopted a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. The Plan builds on the City’s Sustainability Action Plan for City Operations (2014) and establishes community-wide climate action goals.
• Earlier this year, City Council approved a contract for the use of electric landscaping equipment only for the City’s right of way landscaping, covering over 200 different sites.

Reduce Transportation Emissions

• Purchased 3 EVs for the City fleet, as well as several hybrids and plug-in hybrids
• Installed improved bike facilities for City staff and visitors at the new City Hall

Promote Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy

• Energy saving technologies installed at Lake Oswego Tigard Water Treatment Plant save almost 2 million kWh/year in electricity
• New City Hall was constructed to a LEED Gold standard and has been certified Gold by Clackamas County’s Leaders in Sustainability program

Protect Natural Resources

• Increased landscaping equipment inventory, replacing with electric when possible. The City has an electric large area mower in its fleet in addition to electric blowers, weed eaters and a chain saw. Also they will have an Electric Greens mower for the golf course when it reopens.
• Promoted pollinators by planting native wildflower seed in natural areas.

Reduce Waste

• Reduced food waste sent to landfill by offering curbside organics collection for commercial businesses and single family residences beginning in 2016.
• LO Library has a Library of Things collection that allows residents to check out items like small appliances, tools, musical instruments, and games, helping community members to try new things, save money, and reduce consumption of new products.

Meet our new city Sustainability Program Manager – Amanda Watson

Amanda Watson started in September as the City of Lake Oswego’s Sustainability Program Manager. In her role, she is responsible for implementing the City’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, in collaboration with other City departments and community partners. She also manages the City’s solid waste and recycling franchise with Republic Services, and serves as staff liaison to the Sustainability Advisory Board. Amanda previously worked at the City of Portland, where she served as lead on climate and sustainability policy for Mayor Wheeler. She helped to develop Portland’s Climate Emergency Declaration, which aligned the City’s emissions reduction goals with the Paris Agreement and committed to a climate justice-based approach to climate action. She also worked at the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability on a project to increase equity in the waste collection system. Amanda has a Master in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

Amanda says, “I am excited to be working at the City of Lake Oswego and with the many engaged members of our community to build on the progress Lake Oswego has already made to become a more sustainable community and address climate change.”

The Lake Oswego Review had a great article about Amanda in October which you can read here.

Tesla Hits the Road with the Police Department

The Lake Oswego Police Department now has a Tesla. That’s great, but aren’t these cars really expensive? According to Police Chief Dale Jorgensen when he did the math it made economic sense. When you factor in that an operating an electric vehicle can save up to 70% over a gas one, it doesn’t take long for the car to pay for itself.

The Tesla is being used by the department’s detective group and has been assigned to a detective who drives the furthest distance making the savings even a little greater. For patrol work the department is converting to Ford SUV hybrids and will consider an all-electric SUV when one has been certified for routine patrol work.

The Sustainability Advisory Board Plays an Important Role for the City

The City of Lake Oswego launched its Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) in 2008. It is a volunteer citizen advisory body appointed by the City Council consisting of seven members appointed for three-year terms, two alternates for one-year terms, and two youth members appointed for one-year terms. Currently the board is co-chaired by Stephanie Glazer and Kathleen Wiens. The other members are: Buzz Chandler, Susan Mead, Mark Puhlman, Jay Hamachek, Matt Schaeffer. Alternates are Kara Orvieto and Kim Roeland. Youth are represented by Anna Wallin and Olivia Reinhart. City Councilor Rachel Verdick is the Council Liaison for the board.

The Sustainability Advisory Board’s primary objective is to promote a more sustainable community that balances the three pillars of sustainability: social equity, the economy and the environment. The SAB works with the guidance of Amanda Watson, the City’s new Sustainability Program Manager, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role. Annually the board sets goals to advance sustainability in the city.

Click here for more on the SAB Goals for 2021.

Lake Oswego’s 3rd Annual Tree Summit a Big Success

The 2021 Lake Oswego Tree Summit, Sustaining Our Urban Forest: Resilience, Responsibility and Reciprocity in a Changing Climate, was a huge success.  Dr Christine Buhl, Oregon Department of Forestry Entomologist, shared pertinent and very interesting information about the effect of a changing climate on our urban forest and answered questions from the audience.  Dr. Buhl’s talk was followed by a presentation by the City of Lake Oswego on the LO Tree canopy based on analysis of recent LiDAR data.

A video of the presentation and other information, including how to get involved, can be found on the Oswego Lake Watershed Council website. Contact Stephanie at stephanie@oswegowatershed.org if you have any questions.

LOSN November Forum: Beyond Net Zero, Restorative Buildings: the PAE Story

When:  Wednesday, November 17, 2001
Time:    6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: on Zoom

What if a building was not just sustainable but restorative, a building that put back more than it takes?

That is the goal of the Living Building Challenge, a concept introduced on 2009, where its end goal “is to encourage the creation of a regenerative built environment. The challenge is an attempt to raise the bar for building standards from doing less harm to contributing positively to the environment.”

This is an approach that goes way beyond the LEED rating system focusing not only on net zero energy but also net zero water and waste.

One of the leaders in implementing this concept is Portland based PAE Consulting Engineers. They have eleven projects designed to meet this rigorous framework. The latest is their new headquarters here in Portland, a five story building which is set to be the world’s first developer-driven Living Building.

PAE president Paul Schwer will be joined by PAE associate Karina Hershberg to tell the story of how their building was able to reach this goal while simultaneously providing a return for their investors.

LOSN Sustainability Insider

April 2021

Making the Switch to Electric Landscaping Equipment

Benefits of Switching

Communities all over the United States are targeting gas powered landscaping equipment in response to the noise and the air pollution they produce. Gas powered landscape maintenance equipment can create significant localized air quality hazards beyond simply carbon emissions.

Carbon emissions using gas powered equipment

In addition, this equipment is responsible for significant noise pollution which can lead to hearing loss and high stress levels. Operators of this equipment can be particularly affected by the noise and air pollution.

Community members are taking their concerns to their cities and neighborhoods looking for solutions. In our tri-county area, a volunteer organization in Portland has formed quietcleanpdx.org to educate and offer solutions about phasing out gas powered leaf blowers. Thus, beyond the benefits of directly addressing climate change by reducing carbon emissions, switching out gas powered landscaping equipment has major benefits for the well-being of our community.

Register for our May Forum: Come hear from Dan Mabe, Founder and President of American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA), talk about how we can transition from gas powered landscaping equipment to electric powered equipment which helps to reduce air and noise pollution.

Scroll down to the event section for more info.

City Action: City Council Approves All-Electric Landscaping Contracts

On February 2nd the City Council approved two 100% electric landscaping contracts that covers over 200 public areas in the City. This is a great step towards reducing the hazardous air and noise pollution that is caused by gas powered landscaping equipment. The city has already started purchasing electric landscaping equipment. By actively transitioning away from gas powered equipment and using electric equipment this will help create a greener and healthier place for the landscaping workers, community and the environment.

Residential Action: Where Can You Find Electric Landscaping Equipment?

You can find displays and aisles of residential electric landscaping equipment at your local Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. This equipment works great and is often less expensive to purchase and operate. The electric equipment is quieter and does not have the toxic emissions of the gas powered equipment.

American Green Zone Alliance has compiled a list of field tested and certified commercial electric equipment: agza.net/agza-approved-equipment. This includes manufacturers, types of equipment, specifications, photos, and videos. Many commercial landscapers and communities have moved to electric equipment and are happy with the performance while having a cleaner and greener way to operate and not being exposed to air and noise pollution.

Image: Lake Oswego Ace Hardware Display

Landscaping Services Action: Local Electric Landscaping Services

A number of landscaping services in our region already offer electric services. A story from Oswego Yard Care shows why businesses are moving towards this model:

Dan Fidler and Lonny Chavez started Oswego Yard Care in 2019 with the desire to create a landscaping business using quiet renewable energy. They use all-electric battery powered Ego brand tools that greatly reduce noise pollution and have no gas fumes. Every kwh of energy they use to recharge their equipment is offset with the purchase of clean renewable energy. They have enthusiasm for innovation and insistence on clean energy. Oswego Yard Care maintains and creates beautiful yards by combining seasonal color, native plants and perennials. Dan and Lonny encourage other landscapers to check out their equipment to experience for themselves how great this electric equipment works. Visit oswegoyard.com for more information.

Here is a list of some local landscapers that use electric landscaping equipment and hand tools (let them know you are looking for electric landscaping care):

• Blossom
• Clean Air Lawn Care
• Dennis’ 7 Dees
• Landscape East & West
• Northwest Native Landscapes
• Oswego Yard Care
• Pride and Joy Landscapes

Works Great While Providing Surprising Resilience: Testimonial by Michael Earp

We have a large lot in the First Addition of Lake Oswego and although we have reduced the lawn size it is still a lot to mow. Over the years I have routinely used electric lawn equipment. At first cords were standard, which increased the time it took and were a hassle with messing with the cord. I can remember cutting the cord with the mower, too.

I upgraded to a cordless mower when they became available. The first cordless mowers cut down on the time spent mowing but they used lead acid battery which made the lawn mower heavier and the battery had to to be recharged half way through mowing my big lawn.

Today’s electric mowers are very light and have a long runtime with a powerful Lithium battery. It is so quiet and easy to push and can do the entire lot with no problem. There are a number of new Lithium battery powered mowers available. We use a Ryobi 20 inch 40 Volt cordless mower which comes battery charger included ($299 at Home Depot).

Ryobi makes a number of attachments and that the same battery can be used on. I have a few of them including: edger, blower (quiet), portable drill, vacuum, radio and inverter.

During the last ice storm I used the 40 Volt Lithium battery from my mower with the inverter to power my house TV for three hours on a charge. And I could have powered the refrigerator.

Once you use one of these new Lithium powered mowers you will never want to deal with a gas mower again. Skip the hassle with gas tuneups along with the noise and pollution. Your neighbors will appreciate it, too!

Why We Made the Switch: Testimonial from Jeff & Kathleen Wiens

For years it was frustrating trying to start our gas lawnmower and edger. Having to mix oil and gasoline, trying to find a funnel to fill it was always a hassle. The cloud of smoke and fumes made the process even more unpleasant. It was frustrating having to wipe the spilled gasoline off of our hands and ground.

In 2015 we decided to go all electric/battery for our landscaping equipment. We purchased a Black and Decker hedge trimmer and a Kobalt lawn mower at Lowe’s for a reasonable price. This equipment performs great and after 6 years they have held up well. We also like to use a rake and broom.

A few months ago we purchased an Ego electric chainsaw and a more powerful hedge trimmer from Ace Hardware. The batteries are interchangeable and long lasting. We purchased an Ego inverter after our recent power outage to be able to use these Ego batteries to run our refrigerator, TV, power lights, and charge our cell phones. Since we have several batteries, this could help get us through a power outage without the need to run a noisy and polluting generator.

What we like about electric landscaping equipment is when the battery is connected, it starts every time without any nauseous fumes and it’s quieter than gas equipment. We have found that that the cost of residential electric landscaping equipment is comparable or less than the gas equipment. A trip down the aisles at Home Depot or Lowe’s will verify this.

The noise level of gas equipment and the toxicity of the fumes are enough to warrant a change to electric. If homeowners don’t want to do their own landscaping, how about purchasing electric equipment to give to their landscapers. Another idea is to ask your landscaper to look into having an electric option. This would make it healthier for the workers, residents, neighbors and the environment. The switch to electric equipment helps to lower the carbon footprint created from gasoline powered landscaping equipment.

May Online Forum: Transitioning to Electric Landscaping Equipment

Speaker:  Dan Mabe, CEO, Founder and CEO of American Green Zone Alliance
When: Thursday, May 13, 2021
Time:  6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Where:  Webinar on Zoom

Learn about how communities are moving toward pollution free,  electric landscaping equipment and services.

Come hear from Dan Mabe, Founder and President of American Green Zone Alliance (AGZA), talk about how we can transition from gas powered landscaping equipment to electric powered equipment which helps to reduce air and noise pollution.

Dan grew up in a landscaping family and in 2006 he created an all electric landscaping business which grew to 70 customers in one year. He started AGZA in 2010 to help prudently transition the landscape maintenance industry to cleaner and quieter technologies and operation.

AGZA’s efforts have resulted in the creation of green collar jobs, improved health of workers and communities, and greatly reducing environmental impacts.

Dan will discuss the air and noise pollution issues with gas powered equipment, the electric equipment that is currently available, the cost comparison between gas and electric and the return on investment. He will discuss what other communities with similar seasons are doing in regard to transitioning to electric. He will also talk about what we can do to help business owners transition to electric equipment

To learn more about our speaker and American Green Zone Alliance please visit agza.net.

Candidate Forum: LOSD School Board, April 27, 2021

Topic: LOSD School Board Candidate Forum
When: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Webinar on Zoom

The Lake Oswego Sustainability Network (LOSN) and Respond to Racism in Lake Oswego are holding a virtual (Zoom webinar) candidate forum on April 27th. We want to give our community an opportunity to meet the School Board candidates and to hear their thoughts on a variety of topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and sustainability in schools.

June Online Forum: Turning ocean waves into electricity

Speaker:  Burke Hales, Professor OSU, College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
When: Thursday, June 10, 2021
Time:  6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Where:  on Zoom

The PacWave project, to be built off the Oregon coast near Newport, will facilitate and speed up the development of new technology to harness the motion of ocean waves to generate electricity.  Our speaker, Dr. Hales, is Chief Scientist of the testing facility and will explain how this technology could someday provide a major source of clean energy for our region.